Flow control device

Abstract

To provide a flow control device that can reduce the labor and costs associated with transporting and installing the enclosure, and that enables simple installation work. [Solution] The flow control device 1 has a divided structure that can be fitted in a sealed manner onto a fluid pipe 2 as a pipeline component, and is composed of at least a housing 3 having a front body opening 4a as a communication port that communicates with the fluid pipe 2 and a port opening 81a corresponding to the front body opening 4a. The flow cross-sectional shape of the front body opening 4a and the rectangular portion 41a communicating with the front body opening 4a is a vertically elongated rectangle in a front view, where the maximum vertical dimension L11 is larger than the maximum horizontal dimension L12 in the width direction (L11>L12). The flow cross-sectional shape of the port opening 81a is a vertically elongated rectangle in a front view, where the maximum vertical dimension L21 is larger than the maximum horizontal dimension L22 in the width direction (L21>L22).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a flow control device that is at least composed of a housing having a split structure that can be externally fitted to a pipeline component in a sealed manner and provided with a communication port that communicates with this pipeline component.

Background Art

[0002] Conventional flow control devices are installed by externally fitting a housing to an existing pipeline component in a sealed manner, cutting or perforating the pipeline component in a non-stop flow state within this housing, and allowing fluid to flow through a communication port provided in the housing (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in Patent Document 1, when the pipeline component has a large diameter, the housing of the split structure for externally fitting the pipeline component becomes large accordingly, and there are also restrictions on the loading vehicle, which hinders the transportation of each split housing. In addition, there is a problem that the man-hours and costs for installation on the pipeline component increase, and the installation work of the flow control device becomes excessive.

[0005] The present invention has been made paying attention to such problems, and an object thereof is to provide a flow control device that can reduce the man-hours and costs associated with the transportation and installation of the housing and enables simple installation work.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, the flow control device of the present invention A flow control device comprising at least a housing having a divided structure that can be fitted onto a pipeline component in a sealed manner, and a communication port that communicates with the pipeline component, The flow-through cross-sectional shape of the aforementioned communication opening is characterized by having a vertically elongated, non-circular shape in which the maximum dimension in the vertical direction is greater than the maximum dimension in the width direction. This feature allows for maintaining an appropriate cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path branching from the pipeline components while suppressing the widthwise dimensions of the communication opening and reducing the widthwise dimensions of the housing with a segmented structure. As a result, the labor and costs associated with transporting and installing the housing can be reduced, and the installation of the flow control device can be simplified.

[0007] The aforementioned communication port is characterized by being a branch port that branches off from the pipeline component. This feature allows for branching of the pipeline without causing fluid to stagnate within the pipeline components.

[0008] The aforementioned housing is characterized by having a two-part structure in the vertical direction. This feature makes it easier to miniaturize each of the two halves of the enclosure, which are divided vertically.

[0009] The flow cross-sectional shape of the aforementioned communication opening is characterized by being approximately rectangular. This feature allows for the uniform distribution of fluid pressure while ensuring sufficient flow cross-sectional area.

[0010] The flow cross-sectional area of ​​the communication port is characterized by being 80% or more of the flow cross-sectional area of ​​the pipeline components. This feature allows for smooth branching of the fluid without impairing its flow at the communication port. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] This is a plan view showing a flow control device, as an embodiment of the present invention, installed in a fluid pipe. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a partially cutaway front view showing the flow control device installed in the fluid pipe. [Figure 3] It is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of the housing and the front body part. [Figure 4] (a) is a perspective view showing the state of the second short tube seen from obliquely in front, and (b) is a perspective view showing the state of the second short tube seen from obliquely behind. [Figure 5] It is a partially broken plan view showing the internal structure of the flow control device. [Figure 6] (a) and (b) are diagrams for explaining the area ratio of the rectangular part and the circular part in the front body part, (c) is a diagram showing the non-common area of the rectangular part, (d) is a diagram showing the non-common area of the circular part, and (e) and (f) are diagrams for explaining the area ratio of the port opening and the fluid pipe. [Figure 7] (a) is a schematic plan view of the flow control device for examining the compactification of the housing having a front body part made of a circular tube, and (b) is a schematic front view. [Figure 8] (a) is a schematic plan view of the flow control device for examining the compactification of the housing of this embodiment having a front body part made of a rounded square tube, and (b) is a schematic front view. [Figure 9] (a) is a perspective view showing the state of the second short tube as Modification 1 of the present invention seen from obliquely in front, and (b) is a perspective view showing the state of the second short tube seen from obliquely behind. [Figure 10] In the flow control device of Modification 2 of the present invention, it is a schematic plan view of the flow control device for examining the compactification of the housing having a front body part made of a circular tube. [Figure 11] In the flow control device of Modification 2 of the present invention, (a) is a schematic plan view of the flow control device for examining the compactification of the housing of this embodiment having a front body part made of a rounded square tube, (b) is a diagram showing the rectangular part, and (c) is a diagram showing the circular part.

Embodiment for Carrying Out the Invention

[0012] The embodiments for carrying out the flow control device according to the present invention will be described below based on examples.

Example

[0013] The flow control device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described based on FIGS. 1 to 8. In the following description, the lower side of FIG. 1 is defined as the front of the flow control device, the upper side as the rear, the left side as the left, and the right side as the right. Also, in the following description, all dimensions not specified as "outer dimensions" are considered "inner dimensions".

[0014] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the flow control device 1 of the present embodiment has a split structure that can be externally fitted in a sealed manner at a predetermined location of a fluid pipe 2 as a pipeline component, and mainly includes a housing 3 having a front body opening 4a that constitutes a communication port communicating with the fluid pipe 2, and a switching valve 80 installed inside the housing 3 as a fluid control fluid that can control the fluid.

[0015] Note that the fluid in the fluid pipe 2 is tap water in this embodiment. However, for example, in addition to industrial water, agricultural water, sewage, etc., it may be a liquid other than water, or a gas or a gas-liquid mixture of gas and liquid. Further, the fluid pipe 2 is a steel pipe and is formed into a straight pipe with a substantially circular cross-sectional view. In this embodiment, the pipeline direction of the fluid pipe 2 is arranged in a substantially horizontal direction. Note that the fluid pipe according to the present invention may be made of other metals such as cast iron and ductile cast iron, or may be made of concrete, vinyl chloride, polyethylene, or polyolefin. Furthermore, the inner peripheral surface of the fluid pipe may be coated with vinyl chloride, an epoxy resin layer, mortar, plating, etc., or may be coated with an appropriate material on the inner peripheral surface of the fluid pipe by powder coating.

[0016] [Housing] The configuration of the housing 3 will be described based on FIGS. 2 and 3. Note that in FIG. 3, the first short pipe 40a and the second short pipe 40b that constitute the front body portion 4 are shown in a state of being separated front and rear in order to show the front body opening 4a of the housing 3.

[0017] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the housing 3 is made of steel and mainly consists of a main body 5 formed in a cylindrical shape with an open top, side body 6, 6 formed in a cylindrical shape that protrudes from the left and right sides of the peripheral wall of the main body 5 in a left-right direction substantially perpendicular to the central axis of the main body 5 that oriented in the vertical direction and is capable of covering the fluid pipe 2, a front body 4 as a communication port (branch pipe section) that protrudes from the front side of the peripheral wall of the main body 5 in a forward direction substantially perpendicular to the central axis of the main body 5 that oriented in the vertical direction, a bottom 7 that closes the opening at the lower end of the main body 5, and an annular main body cover 30 (see Figure 2) that restricts the deviation of the switching valve 80 from the housing 3.

[0018] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3, side openings 6a, 6a are formed in the main body 5 of the housing 3 at positions corresponding to the side body sections 6, 6, and a front opening 4a is formed in the main body 5 at a position corresponding to the front body section 4. The side openings 6a, 6a are circular in side view, and the front opening 4a is a vertically elongated rectangle in front view, but in plan view, they are each formed in a curved shape along the peripheral wall of the main body 5.

[0019] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the housing 3 has a split structure that divides it into two parts vertically as a split T-tube, consisting of an upper housing 3a and a lower housing 3b along the central axis of the side body sections 6, 6. Specifically, the lower housing 3b is formed in a roughly T-shape when viewed from the front by integrally shaping the lower parts of the main body section 5 and the lower parts of the side body sections 6, 6, and is capable of covering the lower part of the fluid pipe 2. The upper housing 3a is formed in a roughly inverted T-shape when viewed from the front by integrally shaping the upper parts of the main body section 5 and the upper parts of the side body sections 6, 6, and is capable of covering the upper part of the fluid pipe 2. Then, by welding these lower housing 3b and upper housing 3a together, a sealed installation is achieved so as to cover a predetermined portion of the fluid pipe 2 from above and below. Note that the housing 3 may be divided in the front-to-back direction instead of the up-and-down direction. Also, the number of divisions may be a predetermined number of three or more. Furthermore, the material is not limited to steel, but may be other materials such as cast iron. Furthermore, although the lower housing 3b and the upper housing 3a are welded together in this embodiment, they may also be joined in a sealed state by placing a sealing member on the joint surface and fastening members (not shown) consisting of bolts and nuts.

[0020] As shown in Figure 2, the axial ends of the side body sections 6, 6 are sealed by welding and fitted onto the housing 3, fixing it to the fluid pipe 2. Also, as shown in Figure 3, the inner surface of the main body section 5 is provided with a lateral seat section 8a, a longitudinal seat section 8b, and an upper seat section 8c, which serve as valve seats in contact with the controlled fluid described later. The lateral seat section 8a is formed in a roughly Y shape in plan view by two seat sections extending from the center of the upper surface of the bottom section 7 toward both sides in the circumferential direction of the front body section 4 and one seat section extending toward the rear from the center. Furthermore, drain ports 13a formed on the primary side (upstream side; left side in Figure 2) of the upper surface of the bottom 7 and drain port 13b formed on the secondary side (downstream side; right side in Figure 2) of the drain port 13a (see Figure 3) are connected to drain pipes 13d, 13d, each having drain valves 13c, 13c (see Figure 1). By opening the drain valves 13c, 13c, metal shavings and other debris accumulated inside the main body 5 due to the cutting of the fluid pipe 2 can be discharged along with the fluid inside the pipe.

[0021] The upper end of the main body 5 is open, and a flange 3e projecting outward in the radial direction is formed around the periphery of the opening. In addition, multiple cylindrical portions 27 projecting outward in the radial direction are formed on the upper outer surface of the main body 5. A screw hole (not shown) is formed inside each cylindrical portion 27, and a fixing pin 28 (see Figure 2) is screwed radially into the screw hole in a sealed manner. The fixing pin 28 can be rotated around its axis from the outside of the cylindrical portion 27 using a tool or the like, and the tip of the fixing pin 28 is retracted into the cylindrical portion 27, allowing the valve body 81 of the switching valve 80 (described later) to be inserted. Alternatively, the tip of the fixing pin 28 can be projected into the main body 5 and brought into contact with the upper part of the valve body 81, thereby fixing the valve body 81 to the housing 3 (see Figure 2).

[0022] [Fluid control] As shown in Figure 2, the switching valve 80, which acts as the control fluid in the flow control device 1, mainly comprises a valve body 81 disposed within the main body 5 of the housing 3, a valve element 82 rotatably provided within the valve body 81, vertically oriented rotating shafts 83a and 83b that rotatably support the upper and lower parts of the valve element 82 relative to the valve body 81, and a reduction gear 84 provided at the top of the valve body 81 to reduce the rotational torque of the rotating shafts 83a and 83b.

[0023] As shown in Figure 5, the valve body 81 is formed in a cylindrical shape with an outer diameter smaller than the diameter of the main body 5 of the housing 3 and the diameter L7 (outer dimension) of the hole saw (not shown) of the cutter capable of cutting the fluid pipe 2, and is positioned so as to be concentric with the main body 5 when inserted into the main body 5. Furthermore, at approximately the center of the valve body 81, rotating shafts 83a and 83b (see Figure 2) are supported so as to be rotatable around the axis, and are eccentric toward the front body 4 side than the central axis T1 of the side bodies 6, 6. In this embodiment, the rotating shafts 83a and 83b are eccentric toward the front body 4 side than the central axis T1 of the side bodies 6, 6, but they do not have to be eccentric.

[0024] Port openings 81a and 81b are formed on the peripheral wall of the valve body 81 at positions corresponding to the side body openings 6a, 6a of the housing 3, and port opening 81c is formed at a position corresponding to the front body opening 4a of the housing 3, allowing the valve body 82 to selectively close each of the port openings 81a, 81b, and 81c. All port openings 81a, 81b, and 81c are formed to be the same shape. A packing 86, acting as a sealing portion, is provided on the outer circumferential surface of the peripheral wall of the valve body 81, and is in close contact with the inner surfaces of the lateral seat portion 8a, the longitudinal seat portion 8b, and the upper seat portion 8c. In Figure 5, by closing port opening 81c with the valve body 82, the other port openings 81a and 81b become open, and a flow path is formed by the primary and secondary fluid pipes 2. Furthermore, in Figure 2, the valve body 82 closes the port opening 81a corresponding to the primary side body 6, leaving the other port openings 81b and 81c open, and a flow path is formed by the branch pipe (not shown) connected to the front body 4 and the secondary fluid pipe 2. Although not shown, the valve body 82 also closes the port opening 81b corresponding to the secondary side body 6, leaving the other port openings 81a and 81c open, and a flow path is formed by the branch pipe 14 connected to the front body 4 and the primary fluid pipe 2.

[0025] [Front body] Next, the front body portion 4 will be described based on FIGS. 3 to 5. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, the front body portion 4 is mainly composed of a first short pipe 40a connected around the front body opening 4a on the outer peripheral surface of the main body portion 5 of the housing 3, and a second short pipe 40b hermetically connected to the front end of the first short pipe 40a by welding.

[0026] The first short pipe 40a is made of a steel square pipe. The rear part is hermetically coupled to the main body portion 5, and further reinforced by covering the coupling portion with a reinforcing material 4f in double layers. It protrudes forward from the periphery of the curved front body opening 4a formed on the peripheral wall of the main body portion 5, and is formed as a vertical rectangular square short pipe in which the vertical dimension L11 is larger than the horizontal dimension L12 in a front view (see FIG. 6(a)).

[0027] As shown in FIGS. 4(a) and 4(b), the second short pipe 40b is made of a steel square-round pipe. The opening at the rear end is substantially the same as the opening at the front end of the first short pipe 40a, and is formed in a vertical rectangular shape (vertical non-circular shape) in which the vertical dimension L11 is larger than the horizontal dimension L12 in a front view (see FIG. 6(a)). On the other hand, the opening at the front end of the second short pipe 40b is formed in a circular shape having a diameter dimension L13 larger than the horizontal dimension L12 in a front view (L12 < L13). That is, the second short pipe 40b is composed of an angular portion 41a having a substantially vertical rectangular shape in the flowing-down cross-sectional shape (vertical cross-sectional shape), a circular portion 41b having a substantially circular shape in the flowing-down cross-sectional shape (vertical cross-sectional shape), and a communicating portion 41c in which the flowing-down cross-sectional shape (vertical cross-sectional shape) gradually changes from a substantially vertical rectangular shape to a circular shape and communicates the angular portion 41a and the circular portion 41b. Further, reinforcing ribs 42, 42 are provided on the left and right sides of the outer peripheral surfaces of the angular portion 41a and the circular portion 41b of the second short pipe 40b and extend in the front-rear direction, preventing deformation of the front body portion 4 due to fluid pressure.

[0028] As shown in Figure 5, the front body section 4 extends forward from the housing 3 by welding the rear end of the second short pipe 40b to the front end of the first short pipe 40a, which is sealed and connected to the outer surface of the housing 3, thereby integrating them in a sealed manner. When the second short pipe 40b is connected to the first short pipe 40a, the first short pipe 40a constitutes a part of the rectangular section 41a. In addition, a branch pipe 14 can be sealed and connected to the front end of the front body section 4.

[0029] [Comparison of flow cross-sectional areas] Next, the flow cross-sectional area of ​​each part will be explained based on Figure 6. As shown in Figures 6(a) and (b), the rectangular section 41a formed at the rear of the front body opening 4a and front body section 4 of the housing 3 is formed in a vertically elongated rectangular shape in a front view, where the vertical dimension L11 is larger than the horizontal dimension L12 (L11>L12). Also, the vertical dimension L11 is approximately the same as the diameter L13 of the circular section 41b of the front body section 4 and the diameter L1 of the fluid pipe 2 (L1≒L13,L11), and the horizontal dimension L12 is smaller than the diameter L13 of the circular section 41b of the front body section 4 (L12 <L13)。

[0030] Furthermore, the flow cross-sectional area B1 of the front shell opening 4a and the rectangular section 41a is approximately 37,200 cm². 2 In contrast, the flow cross-sectional area B2 of the circular section 41b formed at the front of the front section 4 is approximately 38,000 cm². 2 Therefore, the ratio of the flow cross-sectional area B1 of the front shell opening 4a to the flow cross-sectional area B2 of the circular section 41b is approximately 97% (B1 / B2 = approximately 0.97). Furthermore, the flow cross-sectional area B2 of the circular section 41b is approximately the same as the flow cross-sectional area A of the fluid pipe 2 (B2 ≈ A), and the flow cross-sectional area A of the fluid pipe 2 (approximately 39,200 cm³) 2 The flow cross-sectional area B1 (approximately 37,200 cm²) of the front shell opening 4a relative to ) 2 The ratio of ) is approximately 95% (B1 / A = approximately 0.95).

[0031] More specifically, as shown in Figures 6(c) and (d), when the rectangular section 41a and the circular section 41b are superimposed in the front-to-back direction, i.e., in the branching direction, as shown in Figure 6(c), the flow cross-section of the rectangular section 41a has a common region E1 where the rectangular section 41a and the circular section 41b overlap (see halftone area in Figures 6(c) and (d)), and a non-common region E2 consisting of the four corners located outside the common region E1 in the rectangular section 41a (see shaded area in Figure 6(c)). Also, as shown in Figure 6(d), the flow cross-section of the circular section 41b has a common region E1 and a non-common region E3 consisting of the left and right arched sections located outside the common region E1 in the circular section 41b (see shaded area in Figure 6(d)). Furthermore, although the non-common region E2 of the rectangular section 41a and the non-common region E3 of the circular section 41b are positioned differently relative to the common region E1, their flow cross-sectional areas are approximately the same (E2 ≈ E3). Therefore, fluid flows widely from inside the housing 3 through the front body opening 4a to the common region E1 and non-common region E2 of the rectangular section 41a, passes through the connecting section 41c, and as the flow cross-section changes smoothly, it can flow into the common region E1 and non-common region E3 of the circular section 41b, allowing it to flow smoothly through the front body section 4.

[0032] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 6(e) and (f), the port opening 81c corresponding to the front body opening 4a in the valve body 81 is a vertically elongated rectangle with a vertical dimension L21 greater than the horizontal dimension L22 (L21>L22), and the vertical dimension L21 is approximately the same as the diameter L1 of the fluid pipe 2 (L21≈L1). The flow cross-sectional area B3 of the port opening 81c is approximately 33,400 cm². 2 In contrast, the flow cross-sectional area A of the existing fluid pipe 2 is approximately 39,200 cm². 2 Therefore, the ratio of the flow cross-sectional area B3 of the port opening 81c to the flow cross-sectional area A of the existing fluid pipe 2 is approximately 85% (B3 / A=0.85).

[0033] Here, regarding the pressure loss coefficient in fluid dynamics, it is known that, for example, the value of the pressure loss coefficient when the valve body opening is 80-90% in a water supply gate valve is approximately the same as the value when the opening is 100%. From this, it can be said that, in terms of design, an opening of 80% or more in the valve body is within an acceptable range that can be considered the fully open state of the gate valve.

[0034] Considering this tolerance range, if we use the flow cross-sectional area B2 of the circular section 41b, which is approximately the same size as the flow cross-sectional area A of the existing fluid pipe 2, as a reference, the flow cross-sectional area B1 of the front shell opening 4a and the rectangular section 41a is smaller than the flow cross-sectional area B2, but the area ratio is approximately 0.97, which is within the above tolerance range (opening degree of 80% or more). Therefore, no large pressure loss occurs when the fluid passes through the front shell opening 4a and the rectangular section 41a, and the pressure distribution of the fluid can be made uniform.

[0035] Furthermore, when using the flow cross-sectional area A of the existing fluid pipe 2 as a reference, although the flow cross-sectional area B3 is smaller than the flow cross-sectional area A, the area ratio is approximately 0.85, which is within the above-mentioned allowable range (opening degree of 80% or more). Therefore, no large pressure loss occurs when the fluid passes through the port opening 81c, and the fluid pressure distribution can be made uniform.

[0036] Furthermore, the connecting portion 41c, which connects the rectangular portion 41a and the circular portion 41b, is formed by a curved surface whose flow cross-section smoothly changes from the rear rectangular portion 41a to the front circular portion 41b, thus having a shape that allows fluid to flow down without obstruction.

[0037] [Methods for considering compact enclosure design] Next, a method for considering the miniaturization of the housing will be explained based on Figures 7 and 8. When a flow control device is installed at a predetermined location on an existing fluid pipe 2 to configure a branched flow path, a split-structure housing 3A is fitted onto the predetermined location on the fluid pipe 2 in a sealed manner, and the front body 4A is welded to the branch port (communication port) of the housing 3A in a sealed manner to integrate them, and the front body 4A and the branch pipe (not shown) are connected by piping. Then, a gate valve device (not shown) and a cutting device (not shown) are sealedly connected above the housing 3A to cut the fluid pipe 2, and the cutting device (not shown) is removed from the gate valve device (not shown) and an insertion device (not shown) is sealedly connected, and a switching valve 80 is inserted into the inside of the housing 3A to make it possible to switch the flow path.

[0038] Here, as shown in FIG. 7, when the front body portion 4A is configured by a circular tube having a diameter dimension L12A that is substantially the same as the diameter dimension L1 of the fluid pipe 2 (L1≈L12A), in order to dispose the front body portion 4A between the end portions 2H and 2T of the fluid pipe 2 that are cut by a hole saw (not shown) of the cutting device, it is necessary to set the front cutting separation dimension L8A in the fluid pipe 2 to be larger than the diameter dimension L12A of the front body portion 4A (L8A>L12A). Therefore, the central position P1 of the main body portion 5A of the housing 3A is eccentric to the front side of the pipe axis T1 of the fluid pipe 2. However, if the front body portion 4A's diameter dimension L12A or more cannot be secured as the cutting separation dimension L8A even then, it becomes necessary to increase the diameter dimension L5A of the main body portion 5A of the housing 3A together with the diameter dimension L7A of the hole saw (not shown). When the hole saw (not shown) and the housing 3A become large in this way, transportation and installation work by a truck, a heavy machine, etc. become large-scale.

[0039] In contrast, in this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 8(a) and 8(b), the front body portion 4 made of a round-cornered pipe has a circular portion 41b having a diameter dimension L13 that is substantially the same as the diameter dimension L1 of the fluid pipe 2 at the rear (L1≈L13), while having a rectangular portion 41a having an up-and-down dimension L11 that is substantially the same as the diameter dimension L1 of the fluid pipe 2 and a left-and-right dimension L12 that is smaller than the diameter dimension L13 at the front (L1≈L11, L12<L13).

[0040] In this case, since the left-and-right dimension L12 of the rectangular portion 41a is smaller than the diameter dimension L12A (see FIG. 7) of the front body portion 4A (L12<L12A), the front cutting separation dimension L8 in the fluid pipe 2 can be made smaller than the cutting separation dimension L8A (see FIG. 7) (L8<L8A). Therefore, the diameter dimension L7 of the hole saw (not shown) can be made smaller than the diameter dimension L7A (see FIG. 7), and the diameter dimension L5 of the main body portion 5 can be made smaller than the diameter dimension L5A (see FIG. 7) of the main body portion 5A (L7<L7A, L5<L5A).

[0041] In this way, by setting the area ratio of each flow cross-sectional area B1 to B3 to the flow cross-sectional area A of the fluid pipe 2 to 80% or more, and while appropriately maintaining the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow channels branching from the fluid pipe 2, the left-right dimension L12 of the front shell opening 4a and the rectangular section 41a is reduced, and the diameter dimension L7 of the hole saw (not shown) and the diameter dimension L5 of the main shell section 5 of the housing 3 are reduced, the housing 3 can be made more compact.

[0042] [Effects / Effects] As described above, the flow control device 1 as an embodiment of the present invention has a divided structure that can be sealed and fitted onto a fluid pipe 2 as a pipeline component, and is composed of at least a housing 3 having a front body opening 4a as a communication port that communicates with the fluid pipe 2 and a port opening 81a corresponding to the front body opening 4a. The flow cross-sectional shape of the front body opening 4a and the rectangular portion 41a communicating with the front body opening 4a is a vertically elongated rectangle in a front view, where the maximum vertical dimension L11 is larger than the maximum horizontal dimension L12 in the width direction (L11>L12). The flow cross-sectional shape of the port opening 81a is a vertically elongated rectangle in a front view, where the maximum vertical dimension L21 is larger than the maximum horizontal dimension L22 in the width direction (L21>L22).

[0043] According to this, while appropriately maintaining the flow cross-sectional areas B1 to B3 of the flow channels branching from the fluid pipe 2, the left-right dimensions L12 of the front body opening 4a and the rectangular section 41a and the left-right dimensions L22 of the port opening 81a are suppressed, and the diameter dimension L5 of the main body section 5 of the housing 3, which has a segmented structure, is suppressed, making the housing 3 more compact. As a result, the man-hours and costs associated with transporting and installing the housing 3 can be reduced, and the flow control device 1 can be installed in a simple manner.

[0044] Furthermore, since the front shell opening 4a is a branching port from the fluid pipe 2, the fluid inside the fluid pipe 2 can be branched without stagnation.

[0045] Furthermore, since the housing 3 has a two-part structure in the vertical direction, it is easy to miniaturize the upper housing 3a and the lower housing 3b, which are divided into two parts in the vertical direction.

[0046] Furthermore, the flow cross-sectional shape of the front shell opening 4a and the port opening 81a is a vertically elongated, roughly rectangular shape, which allows for a uniform distribution of fluid pressure while ensuring the flow cross-sectional areas B1 and B3.

[0047] Furthermore, the flow cross-sectional area B1 of the front shell opening 4a is 80% or more of the flow cross-sectional area A of the fluid pipe 2 (in this example, B1 / A = approximately 95%), and the flow cross-sectional area B3 of the port opening 81a is 80% or more of the flow cross-sectional area A of the fluid pipe 2 (in this example, B3 / A = approximately 85%), so that the fluid can be smoothly branched without impairing the fluidity at the front shell opening 4a.

[0048] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the drawings, the specific configurations are not limited to these embodiments, and any changes or additions that do not depart from the spirit of the present invention are also included.

[0049] [Differentiation] The following describes some modifications of the present invention. In the following modifications, the same reference numerals are used for components and parts as in the above embodiment, and detailed explanations are omitted.

[0050] [Example 1] For example, in the above embodiment, a configuration was shown in which reinforcing ribs 42, 42 are provided on the left and right sides of the outer circumferential surface of the rectangular portion 41a and the circular portion 41b of the second short pipe 40b in the front-rear direction. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and as shown in the modified example 1 of the second short pipe 140b in Figures 9(a) and (b), in addition to the ribs 42, 42, a rib 142 may be formed that protrudes outward in the radial direction around the rectangular portion 41a. In this way, deformation of the corners of the rectangular portion 41a can be effectively prevented.

[0051] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, a flow control device 1 in which a switching valve 80 as a fluid control fluid is installed inside the housing 3 was illustrated as an example of a flow control device. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and flow control devices 1B, 1C in which a plug 180 as a fluid control fluid is installed inside the main body portions 5B, 5C of the housings 3B, 3C may also be applied, as shown in Figures 10 and 11 as Modification 2 of flow control devices 1B, 1C. Specifically, the plug 180 mainly has a plate-shaped partition wall portion 181 arranged to partition the inside of the main body portions 5B, 5C, and a disc-shaped lid portion (not shown) fixed substantially horizontally to the upper part of the partition wall portion 181 and closing the upper opening of the main body portions 5B, 5C. The flow path can be changed by stopping the water flow inside the housings 3B, 3C.

[0052] Here, as shown in Figure 10, if the front body 4B is constructed from a circular pipe with a diameter L12B that is approximately the same as the diameter L1A of the fluid pipe 2 (L1A ≈ L12B), then in order to position the front body 4B between the ends 2H and 2T of the fluid pipe 2 to be cut by the hole saw (not shown) of the cutting device, the cutting spacing L8B on the front side of the fluid pipe 2 must be set to be larger than the diameter L12B of the front body 4B (L8B > L12B). Therefore, the center position P3 of the main body 5B of the housing 3B is offset forward of the pipe axis T1 of the fluid pipe 2. However, if it is still not possible to secure a cutting spacing L8B that is greater than or equal to the diameter L12B of the front body 4B, then it becomes necessary to enlarge both the diameter L7B of the hole saw (not shown) and the diameter L5B of the main body 5B of the housing 3B. When the hole saw (not shown) and housing 3B become larger in this way, transportation and installation work using trucks and heavy machinery becomes more extensive. Furthermore, the diameter dimension L1A of the fluid pipe 2 may be approximately the same as the aforementioned diameter dimension L1, or it may be different.

[0053] In contrast, in this modified example 2, as shown in Figures 11(a) and (b), the front body portion 4C, which is made of a rounded square tube, has a circular portion 41b at the rear having a diameter L13C that is approximately the same as the diameter L1A of the fluid tube 2 (L1A ≈ L13C), while having a square portion 41a at the front having a vertical dimension L11C that is approximately the same as the diameter L1A of the fluid tube 2 and a horizontal dimension L12C that is smaller than the diameter L13C (L1A ≈ L11C, L12C). <L13C)。

[0054] In this case, the left - right dimension L12C of the square portion 41a is smaller than the diameter dimension L12B of the front body portion 4B (see FIG. 10) (L12C < L12B), so that the front - side cutting separation dimension L8C in the fluid pipe 2 can be made smaller than the cutting separation dimension L8B (see FIG. 10) (L8C < L8B). Therefore, the diameter dimension L7C of a hole saw (not shown) can be made smaller than the diameter dimension L7B (see FIG. 10), and the diameter dimension L5C of the main body portion 5C of the housing 3C can be made smaller than the diameter dimension L5B of the main body portion 5B (see FIG. 10) (L7C < L7B, L5C < L5B).

[0055] Thus, even when the plug 180 is applied as the flow - control fluid, while maintaining the area ratio of each of the flow - down cross - sectional areas B1 to B3 to the flow - down cross - sectional area A of the fluid pipe 2 at 80% or more to properly maintain the cross - sectional area of the flow path branched from the fluid pipe 2, by reducing the left - right dimension L12C of the front - body opening 4a and the square portion 41a, and suppressing the diameter dimension L7C of the hole saw (not shown) and the diameter dimension L5C of the main body portion 5C of the housing 3C, the housing 3 can be made compact.

[0056] [Other modifications] Also, in the above - mentioned embodiments and modifications, as an example of the flow - control device, a form in which the switching valve 80 and the plug 180 are applied is exemplified. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a flow - control device provided with other flow - control fluids such as a butterfly valve or a partition valve may be applied. Further, it may be only cut without installing a flow - control fluid.

[0057] Also, in the above - mentioned embodiment, as an example of the pipeline component member, a form in which the fluid pipe 2 is applied is exemplified. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a branch pipe, a bypass pipe, or the like may be applied.

[0058] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, an example was given in which a vertically elongated rectangular shape was applied as the flow cross-sectional shape of the front body opening 4a, which is an example of a communication port, the rectangular portion 41a communicating with the front body opening 4a, and the port opening 81a corresponding to the front body opening 4a. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and any vertically elongated non-circular shape in which the maximum dimension in the vertical direction is greater than the maximum dimension in the width direction may be used, for example, a vertically elongated polygonal shape such as a hexagon or an ellipse. In addition, the front body portion 4 may be made of branch pipes whose flow cross-sectional area is the same as the flow cross-sectional area of ​​the fluid pipe 2, or it may be made of irregularly shaped branch pipes whose flow cross-sectional area is different from that of the fluid pipe 2. Furthermore, the front body portion 4 may be made of an eccentric pipe or the like instead of a straight pipe.

[0059] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, an example of a communication port was shown in which a front body opening 4a, which is a branching port branching port from the fluid pipe 2 as a conduit component, and a rectangular portion 41a communicating with the front body opening 4a, and a port opening 81a corresponding to the front body opening 4a were applied. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and communication ports other than branching ports may be applied. In addition, although the port opening 81a corresponding to the front body opening 4a was described as an example of a communication port among the multiple port openings 81a to 81c, other port openings 81b and 81c can also be applied as communication ports.

[0060] An example of a communication port other than the branch port will be briefly explained, although it will not be illustrated in detail. For example, in the case of a housing that can install a fluid control device such as a butterfly valve or gate valve, which allows the flow path to be opened and closed but does not require the configuration of a branch flow path as in the above embodiment, the front body opening 4a and the front body sections 4, 4A to 4C are unnecessary. In the case of a butterfly valve, it has a valve body that has an opening and is seated in a sealed manner inside the housing, and a valve element provided in the valve body that can open and close the opening. Therefore, the opening of the valve body constitutes the communication port of the present invention that communicates with the fluid pipe. By making the flow-down cross-sectional shape of this opening a vertically elongated non-circular shape in which the maximum dimension in the vertical direction is greater than the maximum dimension in the width direction, the width dimension of the housing can be reduced, thereby reducing the man-hours and costs required for transporting and installing the housing, and enabling simple installation work for the flow control device.

[0061] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the flow cross-sectional area B1 of the front body opening 4a and the rectangular section 41a, which serve as communication ports, is approximately 95% of the flow cross-sectional area A of the fluid pipe 2, and the flow cross-sectional area B3 of the port opening 81a is approximately 85% of the flow cross-sectional area A of the fluid pipe 2. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and is not limited to 95% as long as it is 80% or more. Also, in locations where pressure loss does not have a significant impact, the flow cross-sectional area B1 of the front body opening 4a and the rectangular section 41a and the flow cross-sectional area B3 of the port opening 81a do not necessarily have to be 80% or more of the flow cross-sectional area A of the fluid pipe 2, and may be less than 80%.

[0062] Furthermore, although the above embodiment illustrates a configuration in which pipeline components with substantially the same nominal size as the existing fluid pipe 2 and branch pipe 14 are applied, the present invention is not limited thereto, and even when the nominal sizes are different, front body sections 4, 4A made of square-rounded pipes may be used.

[0063] Furthermore, although the above embodiment illustrates a configuration in which the cutter of the cutting device (not shown) is a cylindrical hole saw, the present invention is not limited thereto, and for example, a cutting tool, wire saw, end mill, etc. may be used. In that case, if the cutting device is a cutting tool, it is preferable to employ a structure that rotates a sprocket or chain, etc., in the circumferential direction of the pipe, or if the cutting device is an end mill, it is preferable to employ a structure that moves the housing 3 in the axial direction or circumferential direction, or a well-known method. [Explanation of symbols]

[0064] 1,1C flow control device 2. Fluid pipes (pipeline components) 2H,2T end 3,3C enclosure 3a Upper enclosure 3b Lower enclosure 4,4C Front body 4a Front shell opening (communication port, branching port) 5,5C main body 6. Side section 6a Side body opening 14 Branch pipes 40a 1st short pipe 40b 2nd short pipe 41a Rectangular section 41b Circular section 41c Communication part 42 Ribs 80 Switching valve 81 Valve box 81a Port opening (communication port) 81b, 81c Port openings 82 Valve body 83a, 83b Rotation axis 84 Reducer 140b 2nd short pipe 180 plug 181 Partition wall section A Flow cross-sectional area B1~B3 Flow cross section L1 Diameter Dimension L11, L11C Vertical dimensions (maximum vertical dimension) L12, L12C Left and right dimensions (maximum width)

Claims

1. A flow control device comprising at least a housing having a divided structure that can be fitted onto a pipeline component in a sealed manner, and a communication port that communicates with the pipeline component, The flow control device is characterized in that the flow cross-sectional shape of the communication port is a vertically elongated non-circular shape in which the maximum dimension in the vertical direction is greater than the maximum dimension in the width direction.

2. The flow control device according to claim 1, characterized in that the aforementioned communication port is a branch port that branches off from a pipeline component.

3. The flow control device according to claim 1, characterized in that the housing has a two-part structure in the vertical direction.

4. The flow control device according to claim 1, characterized in that the flow cross-sectional shape of the communication port is substantially rectangular.

5. The flow control device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the flow cross-sectional area of ​​the communication port is 80% or more of the flow cross-sectional area of ​​the pipeline component.

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